Now showing 1 - 10 of 16
  • Publication
    Smart wearables in ergonomic applications recent advances and challenges in human-machine integration
    Smart wearables have become increasingly integral to ergonomic applications, particularly in healthcare, industrial work, and rehabilitation. These technologies offer significant benefits in enhancing human performance, reducing the risk of injury, and improving user comfort. Exoskeletons, one of the key smart wearable technologies, have seen widespread adoption in industrial settings, assisting workers in physically demanding tasks by alleviating muscle strain and promoting ergonomic posture. The application of machine learning within these wearables further enhances their adaptability, allowing for personalized support based on real-time feedback. In healthcare, wearable sensors provide critical insights into physiological and postural data, enabling continuous monitoring that supports long-term health and rehabilitation efforts. These wearables can track muscle activity, heart rate, and other vital signs, improving patient outcomes through ergonomic design that minimizes discomfort. In addition, soft robotic suits and passive exoskeletons have been developed to assist in mobility rehabilitation, offering a blend of comfort and functionality. Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Smart wearables must balance functionality with comfort, especially as many devices can be bulky or restrictive. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning offers solutions to some of these challenges, enabling wearables to adapt dynamically to user needs. However, technical issues such as data processing, sensor accuracy, and battery life continue to limit their widespread adoption. Future developments must focus on miniaturization, energy efficiency, and user adaptability to overcome these barriers, ensuring that smart wearables are both effective and practical for diverse ergonomic applications.
  • Publication
    Recent advances in ergonomic studies on material handling mitigating musculoskeletal risks and enhancing worker safety
    Manual material handling (MMH) tasks are a significant contributor to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), particularly in industries where repetitive motions, awkward postures, and excessive loads are common. Recent advances in ergonomic interventions aim to mitigate these risks, enhancing worker safety and reducing the incidence of injuries. The integration of automation technologies, such as robotic assistants and human-machine interfaces, has proven effective in reducing human involvement in monotonous tasks, thereby alleviating physical strain. Additionally, passive back-support exoskeletons have emerged as promising tools to provide mechanical support during heavy lifting, bending, and repetitive movements, effectively reducing musculoskeletal risks. Technological innovations, including wearable sensors and AI-driven tools, have further improved ergonomic assessments by providing real-time monitoring and feedback on workers’ posture and movements. These advancements allow for timely adjustments and preventive measures, ensuring a safer and more efficient working environment. However, challenges remain regarding the long-term effects and user acceptance of exoskeletons and other ergonomic interventions. Studies also highlight the importance of ergonomic risk assessments, utilizing tools such as the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and fuzzy logic models to identify and mitigate high-risk tasks.
  • Publication
    Recent advancements in ergonomic risk assessment integration of artificial intelligence, wearable technology, and industry-specific approaches
    Ergonomic risk assessment is crucial in preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) across various industries. Traditional methods, while effective, have limitations, such as reliance on manual observations and a lack of real-time monitoring. Recent technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI), wearable sensors, and industry-specific solutions, are addressing these gaps. AI and machine learning techniques enable real-time data analysis, providing more accurate and proactive ergonomic assessments. Wearable technology, such as inertial measurement units and pressure sensors, offers continuous monitoring of worker movements and postures, helping to prevent injuries in sectors like healthcare, construction, and manufacturing. These tools also allow for personalized ergonomic interventions by assessing individual risk factors in real-time. Industry-specific approaches have also emerged, particularly in high-risk fields such as healthcare and mining, where the integration of ergonomic and psychosocial stressors provides a comprehensive risk assessment model. In addition to physical ergonomics, advancements now incorporate psychosocial factors, addressing issues like organizational culture and job stress, which significantly influence musculoskeletal health. Finally, technological innovations such as simulation and modeling tools further enhance ergonomic assessments by simulating worker movements and identifying high-risk postures. However, challenges remain in standardizing these tools and integrating them into existing workflows. The evolution of ergonomic risk assessments towards more automated, precise, and real-time systems promises to reduce WMSDs and improve overall workplace safety.
  • Publication
    Recent advances in ergonomic posture research assessing innovations in occupational health and musculoskeletal disorder prevention
    This review paper explores recent advances in ergonomic posture research, focusing on innovations aimed at improving occupational health and preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The study covers multiple sectors, including agriculture, manual labor, healthcare, and office environments, highlighting the critical role of ergonomics in mitigating physical strain and enhancing worker well-being. Ergonomic interventions tailored to specific industries have demonstrated significant reductions in physiological strain, improved posture, and increased workplace safety and productivity. In agriculture and manual labor, ergonomic adjustments, such as redesigning operator workstations and utilizing ergonomic tools, have proven effective in reducing the physical demands placed on workers, particularly among traditionally underserved groups like female agricultural workers. In healthcare settings, research emphasizes the importance of posture in surgical and clinical environments, where static postures can lead to MSDs. Wearable technologies and real-time biofeedback systems have emerged as valuable tools for improving ergonomic awareness and reducing the physical toll on workers in these high-demand professions. Office ergonomics has also advanced with the development of dynamic seating systems and posture correction devices that encourage movement and reduce strain caused by prolonged sitting. Such innovations help prevent common MSDs, including back and neck pain, while also enhancing cognitive function and productivity in office environments. This review highlights the growing integration of technological innovations, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and wearable sensors, in posture monitoring and risk assessment. These tools enable real-time feedback, improving both the accuracy of ergonomic interventions and worker safety. The review underscores the need for continued research, uniform ergonomic standards, and the implementation of tailored interventions across industries to promote healthier workplaces and reduce the prevalence of MSDs.
  • Publication
    Advancements in cognitive ergonomics integration with human-robot collaboration, workload management, and industrial applications
    Cognitive ergonomics is increasingly essential in modern industries, particularly in human-robot collaboration (HRC), where it addresses mental workload, decision-making, and overall worker well-being. As industrial systems transition into Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0, the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) into human-centered processes necessitates the management of cognitive load. Cognitive ergonomics enhances workplace efficiency by optimizing human-system interactions, reducing mental strain, and improving task performance in complex environments. By focusing on real-time workload management, including the use of biosensors and eye-tracking technologies, industries can monitor cognitive strain, allowing for immediate task adjustments to maintain productivity and safety. Cognitive ergonomics also plays a pivotal role in enhancing human factors in HRC by aligning machine design with human mental capabilities. Effective human-machine interfaces (HMIs) based on cognitive ergonomic principles improve decision-making, reduce errors, and enhance user satisfaction. As industries continue to adopt advanced robotics, the mental demands on workers increase, making cognitive ergonomics crucial for mitigating risks associated with cognitive overload. Future trends point toward the integration of cognitive ergonomics with emerging technologies like AI, wearable devices, and virtual reality (VR), offering new avenues for workload management and decision support. These advancements aim to balance the cognitive demands on workers, ensuring that systems are designed to enhance performance without causing mental fatigue or stress. Overall, cognitive ergonomics remains a vital component in ensuring the well-being and efficiency of workers in technologically advanced industrial environments.
  • Publication
    Human-centered ergonomic: advancements, challenges, and future directions in industrial and occupational settings
    The field of human-centered ergonomics has evolved significantly, especially in industrial and occupational settings, where the focus is on optimizing worker performance and well-being through the integration of advanced technologies. This review paper explores the key advancements, challenges, and future directions in ergonomics as they relate to Industry 4.0, cognitive ergonomics, aging workforces, and sustainable manufacturing. With the rise of Industry 4.0, technologies such as motion capture, virtual reality, and autonomous systems have proven to be invaluable tools in addressing ergonomic risks while improving productivity. These innovations enable better task design and human-machine interactions, reducing both physical strain and cognitive load. However, the integration of technology also presents challenges, particularly for the aging workforce, which is more susceptible to ergonomic stressors. Ergonomic interventions such as assistive devices, like exoskeletons, and tailored workspace designs are critical for maintaining productivity and health among older workers. Furthermore, the review discusses the role of ergonomics in sustainable manufacturing, highlighting how ergonomic principles contribute to environmental goals by reducing energy consumption, waste, and physical strain. Cognitive ergonomics, which addresses mental workload and human-computer interaction, is another crucial area explored in this paper. As automation increases, optimizing human cognitive performance is essential to reducing errors and enhancing safety in complex work environments. In conclusion, while advancements in technology offer promising solutions to many ergonomic challenges, the future of human-centered ergonomics will require continued research and innovation to address the evolving needs of workers in diverse and technologically advanced environments. The ongoing development of ergonomic interventions that balance human well-being with industrial efficiency will remain central to the future of work.
  • Publication
    Doping content dependencies on the structure modification and bandgap broadening of Al induced sol-gel derived ZnO nanostructures
    This paper reports the Al doping content dependence on structure modification and band gap wid-ening of sol-gel synthesised Al-doped ZnO thin films. The precursor, solvent and stabiliser used to prepare ZnO solution were Zinc Acetate Dihydrate, 2-propanol and ethanolamine, respectively. Mo-larity fractions of 0, 4, 6 and 8% of Al (NO3)2 as dopant source was incorporated into ZnO host system and prepared by individual buffer solutions. The prepared sols were subsequently deposited onto ITO glass substrates, and the resultant thin films were characterised. XRD patterns exhibit the polycrys-talline nature of pure and doped ZnO films, with preferred orientations correspond to (1 0 0), (0 0 2) and (1 0 1) planes. Lattice shrinking is indicated by the decrease lattice constant c due to axial com-pression. Peaks shifting towards higher angle are observed implying a structural modification over doped thin films that affects the optical properties, which agrees with the lattice shrinking. The ab-sorption edge has an obvious blueshift to the shorter wavelength with increased dopant content. The thin films’ energy bands were procured by Tauc’s linear extrapolation and was found to be broaden-ing from 3.32 eV to 3.34 eV in 6% Al-doped ZnO. There exists a significant correlation between the applied doping level and the extend of variation of structural properties and ultimately, lattice im-perfection. Doping of smaller-atom-sized Al into ZnO concedes with the Burstein-Moss principles. 6% Al doping imposes the highest peak shift and ultimately has the highest impact on lattice parameter and energy band.
  • Publication
    Design and development of a cordless screwdriver: An analysis
    ( 2021-07-21) ; ;
    Shafeeq Ahmad Shamim Ahmad
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    ; ;
    Hashim A.H.
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    Rahman A.S.A.
    ;
    Kamarul Radhi Md Zohid
    ;
    Balakrishnan V.
    The aim of this paper is to focus on some important aspects of the use of cordless screwdrivers in situations of work. Emphasizes on comfort while user uses cordless screwdriver. Descriptors of comfort in the use of hand tools have been collected from interviews. Functionality and physical interaction have been found to be the most important comfort factors in using a screwdriver. The ergonomically modified screwdriver handle provides greater operational efficiency. The findings of this research is significant in contemplating on the differences between discomfort and comfort. Cordless Screwdriver with built-in power of 3.7 kilowatts has been established. A better battery, with a voltage display, was made comfortable for consumers. In addition, the soft grip handle will allow the consumer to have a relaxed grip when using the product.
      10  3
  • Publication
    High specific heterocontacts of p-CuO/n-ZnO thin film composites for enhanced sunlight absorption
    ( 2020-12-18)
    Syazwani A.S.
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    ; ; ;
    Hadi H.
    ;
    Syahmi R.M.A.
    This study is focused on investigating the heterocontacts development between p-CuO and n-ZnO semiconductor composite for enhancing its sunlight absorption. CuO and ZnO are chosen as precursors due to their many potentials. High absorption of sunlight is one of the most important criteria in photovoltaic (PV) device. However poor crystal structure and low contact surface between the p and n semiconductors limits the light intake and is due to several factors. To carry out intensive study on the mechanism of the heterocontact growth, CuO:ZnO thin film is synthesized by mechanical alloying process using high energy ball mill (HEBM) followed by sol gel technique. Three parameters were studied; sol-gel's surfactant to solvent ratio, annealing temperature and annealing duration. The homogeneity and compounds' distribution of the composite is analysed by EDS analysis and structural characterization is done with XRD analysis. The UV-VIS analysis is done to determine the light absorbance and the bandgap of the composite. The initial mechanical centrifugation HEBM has aided the process for homogenizing the composite and boost the heterointerface between the semiconductors by mechanochemical effects such as phase transformations and solid-state reactions. EDS analysis reported that 500 C annealed specimen giving the lowest percentage of ratio gap than others temperature and the heterocontact surface between molecules of material also increased. Uv-Vis analysis also agrees with EDS, showing the specimen having highest absorbance spectra. However, bandgap narrowing occurred in the specimen, as resulted by the coexistence of transitional metal Cu in the composite system. XRD analysis shows a near single oriented crystal growth which promotes clean growth of crystal structure and hypothetically reduce the presence of unwanted voids and large boundaries.
      15  1
  • Publication
    Development of sustainable lightweight heat insulation panel from elastomeric and polymeric waste
    The project present about development lightweight sustainable heat insulation panel from waste material. Scrap tyres and plastic waste was used for this purpose. The fabrication process started with scrap tyres is being cut and blends into smaller pieces. Then, the pieces of the material of rubber from scrap tyres are mixed together with the plastic waste material polyethylene at different composition. The mixture of the materials is pressed together using hydraulic press machine and heat are applied to melt the material in order to create the panel by using the mould. There are few tests that are conducted to the panel to find out its weight, volume and density. In order to determine the most suitable sample among the sample, a test is carried out to each sample. This test involved the black box or wooden box and the container by using the thermocouple and probes to measure the temperature. From the both test using black box and the container, the most suitable sample that excellent in insulating the heat is the sample with the bigger composition of rubber which are sample with 95% of rubber and 5% of polyethylene polymer.
      2  1